Happy Nowruz!

March 22, 2017

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Happy Iranian New Year to everyone celebrating here in North Vancouver.

It brings me great pleasure to welcome in the New Year with our vibrant ethnic community. The changing season that is marked by the vernal equinox reminds us of the opportunities a new year present. As the Northern Hemisphere begins its annual tilt towards the sun and our days grow progressively warmer, the spirit of cordiality encourages us to give thanks for our prosperity and reflect on our privilege.

At this time every year, the days and nights are roughly equal in length, signifying the balance we all need in our lives. During this celebration, take the time to visit your friends, family, and neighbours to bring wishes of goodwill and fortune for the year to come. I invite everyone to drop into my local office at 3rd Street and Lonsdale Avenue to say hello to my friendly staff and enjoy our Haft-Seen.

In the essence of renewal, the Government of Canada is reaffirming its commitment to a strong immigration program and will welcome 300,000 immigrants in 2017. 40,000 new refugees will land on our soil and an additional 300,000 permanent residents will be granted legal admission. I’m pleased to be working with a government that is dedicated to addressing family reunification for the Iranian-Canadian community.